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Level: Primary (K-2)
Grade From: K
Grade To: 2
Length: 1-6 sessions, including student readings, kite making, and kite flying. Sessions can be taught in a different order, with some combined or omitted. The kite alone can be constructed in 30 minutes (minimal decoration and no flying time).
These readings and activities introduce basic vocabulary and techniques for making and flying a kite. They also profile the life and skills of a kite maker. Students construct the simple kite pictured.
The sequence in which the readings are presented is flexible. For example, students may work on one reading per week over the course of three weeks (or one reading per day over three days), then decorate, make and fly their kites in one longer session. Or the sequence could be: reading about making a kite; students' decorating and making their kites; reading about flying a kite; students' flying their kites; reading about the kite maker as a culminating activity.
Curriculum Integration:
Science: understands simple properties of common natural and manufactured materials and objects; understands that things are made of parts that go together; understands how to ask a question about objects and events in the environment; knows that pushes and pulls can change the motion of common objects; understands that weather conditions change from season to season; knows how knowledge and skills of science, mathematics, and technology are used in common occupations; understands how well a design solves a problem. Note: readings and activities integrate with such Primary science modules as: Wood and Paper (FOSS); Air and Weather (FOSS); Amazing Air (Delta); Weather Watching (Delta); Weather (STC).
Mathematics: understands meaning of addition and subtraction (cutting and taping tail pieces; more or fewer depending on wind conditions); understands attributes to describe and compare objects; describes two dimensional shapes based on their geometric characteristics; understands concept of symmetry; estimates length using non-standard units.
Social Studies: locates places and cultural regions using maps and globes; identifies choices individuals have in how they interact with the environment; describes personal changes that occurred over time; explains the role of family in society; identifies the roles and responsibilities of community members; identifies goods and services in a community; identifies examples of cultural universals.
Visual Arts: identifies line direction, geometric shapes, and textures; uses art tools and materials safely and appropriately; applies a creative process in the arts; identifies personal aesthetic choices; identifies career roles in the arts.
Language Arts: uses context to predict and confirm meaning of unknown words; uses new vocabulary from informative/expository text; identifies important parts of informative/expository text; understands simple organizational structure of text; explains connections between self and characters and events encountered in culturally relevant text; reads to learn new information; reads to perform a task; writes for different purposes; writes in a variety of forms/genres (answers to questions).
Cultural Integration: North America
Student Reading: Making a Kite (PDF file)
Extension Activities: Making a Kite: Writing & Discussing (PDF file)
Student Reading: Flying a Kite (PDF file)
Extension Activities: Flying a Kite: Writing & Discussing (PDF file)
Student Reading: Meet the Kite Maker: Robert Trépanier (PDF file)
Extension Activities: Meet the Kite Maker: Writing & Discussing (PDF file)
ORPrintable Kite Template: Trépanier Trapezoid Kite Template (PDF file)
Materials You Supply: 2 pieces of 11"x17" bond paper, 4 - 8 bamboo skewers, flying line, winder, per student
Printable Kite Instructions: Trépanier Trapezoid Kite Instructions (PDF file)
Session One: Student Reading/Activities (30-45 minutes)
Use the reading Making a Kite to introduce kite vocabulary and concepts, specifically variety in materials for making kites and the need to match materials to different winds. Extension activities (estimating lengths; culturally various kites; characteristics of materials) provided.
Session Two: Student Reading/Activities (30-45 minutes)
Use the reading Flying a Kite to introduce basic concerns and techniques in flying a kite, including being safe and partnering with the wind. Extension activities (wind vocabulary and experiences, kite-eating tree; proverb) provided.
Session Three: Student Reading/Activities (30-45 minutes)
Use the reading Meet the Kite Maker: Robert Trépanier to introduce some of the challenges of kite design and to discuss the usefulness of arts skills in different jobs. Extension activities (map skills; roles of family and community; cultural universals; design solutions) provided.
Sessions Four - Six : Decorating, Constructing, and Flying the Trépanier Trapezoid (90-120 minutes)
These activities can be divided into two or three shorter sessions: cutting out and decorating the sail; constructing the kite; flying the kite.
Follow assembly instructions from the kite kit, from a download or from a video.
Cutting and taping the tails will take the most time for young students. Teachers/ adult helpers can speed this process with a paper cutter.
Remind students that large, bold, colorful designs will be more readily visible in the sky. Tails can also be decorated.
Decorating the kite sail can be integrated with more sustained visual arts instruction in: using line (diagonals), pattern, and/or geometric shape; decorating by sponge printing with a stencil; making a transfer print to emphasize symmetry.
Take extra tails and spars, plus tape, to the flying field for repairs or additions in heavy winds.
The Kite Festival by Leyla Torres (2004) nicely complements these activities because it emphasizes the simple materials from which kites can be made. The book includes instructions for making a simple hexagonal kite. Through the narrative, the story also addresses, in context, other aspects of kite flying: how to launch a kite; how to add a tail for stability; how to disentangle from another flier's line; how to protect one's hands. Three generations of the Flórez family set off on a Sunday drive, encounter a kite festival, and join in the fun by creating a kite from found materials (luckily, a booth is open to purchase bamboo from which a frame can be built). The string from little sister's pull toy, a map, crayons, bandaids, napkins, and a fabric belt all contribute to the kite, and reinforce the point that kites can be made from everyday materials. The grandfather also models the kind of improvisatory persistence that kite fliers call on to overcome problems with bridles or trees.
The spare text and bright illustrations of Grace Lin's Kite Flying (2002) tell the story of a young girl whose family helps her make and fly a dragon kite. The kite making materials, pictured in the frontispiece, are more sophisticated than those in Torres' story: they include such tools as joining tubes and a craft knife, and this family goes to a crafts store to purchase them. Pages after the story ends provide a short history of kites and show a variety of Chinese animal kites, with associated virtues, such as wisdom and joy.
The Sea-Breeze Hotel by Marcia Vaughan, illustrated by Patricia Mullins (1992) is a charming story, with lively language and illustrations. Young Sam has an idea for attracting more guests to a hotel where the heavy wind deters swimmers, fishermen, beachcombers, and sitters-on-the-balcony from visiting. Sam makes a kite and puts it in the hands of Mrs. Pearson, the hotel owner. "This is the most fun I've had in years," she says. The staff sets to making kites, and visitors come "from near and far" to the "kite-flying hotel." Through the narrative, the story addresses many aspects of kite making and flying: variety of styles; different construction techniques (scrap materials; sewing; building; designing); seasonal changes in the wind (the sea breeze dies during April). The story could also extend a discussion of kite maker Robert Trépanier's life: like Robert, the hotel guests tie off their kites at the end of the day so that they fly "all night in the moonlight."
A Sky Full of Kites by Osmond Molarsky (1996) can also extend a discussion of the work of kite maker Robert Trépanier and the challenges of sizing his kites for gallery display. In a twist on Robert's situation, the young Chinese American boy in Molarsky's book makes an enormous painting. No one—not at the school, the firehouse, the department store, the bank, the church, the museum—will make room to display it until he makes the painting into a "huge, huge kite" and attracts newspaper and television attention when he flies it. It's not the author's intention to convey any realistic advice about kite making or flying; nonetheless, students can pick up valuable pointers about the pulling power of a large kite and the advisability of flying in a large, comparatively empty space. The hero's ethnicity is also simply a matter-of-fact part of the story, not its focus—a welcome stance for storytelling in a multicultural society.


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UNOPS landmark agreement with government of Ghana has moved forward this week with the Executive Director, Grete Faremo's announcement this week in New York.
As part of the agreement, UNOPS and its partners seek to attract $436 million worth of investment to deliver at least 100,000 affordable homes across the country.
The project, which will last between six and ten years, will also provide job opportunities for local communities nationwide and help towards alleviating the housing crisis in Ghana.
Agreement signed with the government of Ghana, UNOPS and its partners hope to deliver at least 100,000 affordable homes nationwide.
● UNOPS and its partners aim to attract $436 million worth of investment.
● UNOPS to invest $11 million in seed funding.
● Project has an estimated gross development value of $5.3 billion.
● Project will last six to ten years, providing 3,000 job opportunities for local communities.
The agreement is a major milestone in UNOPS commitment to fostering innovative financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and will help the Government of Ghana open access to sustainable, affordable and environmentally sound housing for its citizens.
UNOPS Executive Director Grete Faremo said:
"There is great potential to improve access to sustainable and resilient housing for thousands of people in Ghana.
"At the same time, this project will work to boost livelihoods and the local economy.
"The knock-on effect means unlocking new opportunities and resources for local communities, which helps drive progress towards the SDGs".
The 100,000 houses are to be constructed using energy-efficient solar rooftops, and manufactured locally, which will provide up to 3,000 jobs for local people.
In a previous statement on the project, President Nana Akufo-Addo said:
"I believe we are all well aware of the challenges Ghana, and most of Africa, faces when it comes to the provision of decent, well-planned and organized housing for our citizens. The difficulty in addressing this on-going challenge has led to a huge housing deficit in our country.
"I believe that with the signing of this project agreement, we shall be ushering into existence a new dawn for Ghana and our citizens".
UNOPS Social Impact Investment Initiative (S3i) seeks to de-risk infrastructure investment projects in an effort to help attract financing from the private sector to national development agendas. Projects selected are subjected to a rigorous due diligence process that will ensure a positive environmental, social and economic impact, with a financial return.
About UNOPS
UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more about UNOPS: www.unops.org
About UNOPS Social Impact Investment Initiative (S3i)
UNOPS S3i seeks to de-risk and structure infrastructure investment projects in an effort to help attract financing from the private sector to national development agendas. Projects selected are subjected to a rigorous and comprehensive due diligence process that will ensure a positive environmental, social and economic impact, with financial returns for private sector investors.

subset: commoncrawl


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Message Board
Katie Flynn Message Board
Talk about the novels, new and used books that Flynn has written!
Author Flynn's Book Reviews
Poor Little Rich Girl
Hester is sent to Liverpool to look after spoiled 8 year old Lonnie. Lonnie's aunt takes an instant dislike to both of them. Just when Lonnie is beginning to blossom into a regular girl, her aunt hatches a scheme to fire Hester, and sends Lonnie away to a boarding school. Hester is then left on her own to survive in Liverpool. Complicating things is her love interest in the poor but happy Baily family's oldest son, Dick....


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Women Shut Down Deadly Witch Hunts in India (Yes, That Still Happens)
In some parts of rural India the practice of witch hunts is still in vogue, but local women aim to stop it
Witch hunts may conjure images of hysterical Europe in the Middle Ages or 17th century Salem, but in some parts of rural India this practice is still in vogue. Around the tea plantations of Jalpaiguri, illiterate tribal workers often blame "witches" for disease outbreaks. Amidst such conditions, drunken villagers impulsively identify a "witch," usually killed on the spot.
Around 84 million tribal people who traditionally believe in witches live in India, accounting for around 8 percent of the country's population. In 2003, five women were publicly tied up, tortured and murdered after being accused of using witchcraft to kill a male villager who had suffered from a stomach illness.
Now, a female-led grassroots movement is pushing back against this practice. Small groups of local women who met through a non-government loan program added abolishing witch hunts to their agenda of societal betterment. They also aim to fight back against domestic abuse and alcoholism.
The pioneering women have enjoyed a few successes. In one case, villagers planned to attack a woman accused of causing livestock diseases. Members of the self-help group gathered in a vigil around the woman's home and surrounded the accuser's home as well, stating their case to the accuser's wife. Eventually, the wife intervened and her husband recanted and "begged for forgiveness," according to a press release.
The movement is "helping provide a voice to women who wouldn't otherwise have one," said Soma Chaudhuri, a sociologist at Michigan State University who authored a paper on the topic. But Chaudhuri is also realistic, pointing out that the women's group is fighting against centuries of tradition, misogyny and closed-mindedness. "I can see the potential for this developing into a social movement," she said, "but it's not going to happen in a day because an entire culture needs to be changed."
More from Smithsonian.com:
A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum


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MTN says U.S. ruling a "positive" in Iran suit defense
The chief executive of South African telecom MTN Group on Thursday hailed a U.S. Supreme Court ruling as a major boost to its defense against a $4.2 billion lawsuit from rival Turkcell.
"It's definitely a positive for our case," Sifiso Dabengwa told Reuters in a telephone interview on Thursday.
Turkcell is suing MTN, Africa's biggest mobile phone company, in a U.S. federal court using a 224-year-old law.
However, the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday limited the ability of human rights plaintiffs to invoke that law, a ruling seen as a major victory for foreign multinationals.
The federal court had delayed ruling on the Turkcell suit filed a year ago, pending the outcome of Wednesday's Supreme Court ruling.
Critically for Turkcell's suit - which involves two companies that are not based in the United States - the ruling is seen as limiting the reach of U.S. courts in claims seen as lacking sufficient connection to the United States.
Turkcell said in a statement it was "inappropriate" to comment before a ruling from the federal court, adding that its case could be addressed in the coming weeks.
Turkey's largest cell phone firm alleges that MTN used bribery and peddling of political influence to win a mobile license in Iran that was first awarded to Turkcell.
MTN has denied the charges.
Shares of MTN were up 0.81 percent at 163.51 rand at 1105 GMT. Turkcell's shares were also little changed.
(Reporting by David Dolan; Editing by Ed Cropley)


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Seriously, you guys. It's the same Kingdom Rush Awesomeness… but MOAR!
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay – May 28, 2013 – Ironhide Game Studio, the conniving, time-sucking, and altogether devious developer behind the rather excellent Kingdom Rush, furthered its plans for world domination today by announcing Kingdom Rush: Frontiers, launching June 6 on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. A brand-new adventure set in the same lovable world of knights and goblins, Kingdom Rush: Frontiers is primed to make another assault on your free time. The sequel expands on the fast-paced tower defense gameplay and intoxicating charm that took the world by storm in the original Kingdom Rush. Cancel your plans… reinforce!!
Prep for battle with the teaser trailer, viewable here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilshnhXtfKQ&feature=youtu.be
A pinnacle of the tower-defense genre with numerous updates and millions of fans, Kingdom Rush: Frontiers is the game's official sequel. It's armed to the teeth with all the features that made the original an award-winning hit, while adding dozens of new levels, towers, heroes, enemies, and, lest we forget, stylish ways to smash those enemies into bloody bits.
Just like an upgraded artillery tower, Kingdom Rush: Frontiers is (Scottish accent) "FULLY LOADED!" with the following features:
- Eight New Special Towers — Complement the classic towers with assassins, necromancers, and even earthquake machines… shake things up, literally.
- Exotic New Levels — Batten down the hatches and defend over a dozen levels like dangerous deserts, underground caves, and lush jungles. Oh, and by "lush," we mean "full of man-eating plants." Feed me, Seymour.
- A Whole New Horde — Bomb, snipe and cut down more than 40 enemies, from giant scorpions to angry gorillas. No need to worry about regular-sized scorpions and slumbering chimps, mind you.
- A Heap of Heroes — Bring down the hammer with nine new heroes like Cronan the Beastmaster and Sha'Tra the Alien Predator, all with fully customizable upgrades.
- Bells and Whistles… and Giant Sandworms — You like Easter eggs? We got 'em. 70 achievements, unlockable weapons, and even a Black Dragon that will set your enemies on fire — all that and plenty more.
Critical praise for Kingdom Rush: IGN Editor's Choice, Slide To Play Must Have, 148 Apps Editor's Choice, Jay is Games Game of the Year, Pocket Gamer Gold Award, Touch Arcade 4.5/5, CNET Best iPad Games
Look for Kingdom Rush: Frontiers on iPhone and iPod touch along with Kingdom Rush: Frontiers HD for iPad, hitting the App Store on June 6.
Download a full press kit here or view the trailer here.
About Ironhide Game Studio
Ironhide Games is a startup developer of casual indie games founded in January 2010, by Alvaro Azofra, Pablo Realini & Gonzalo Sande. Their goal is to produce high quality, well-designed, highly entertaining casual games and have fun doing so. Ironhide has released three titles so far, including Clash of the Olympians, Soccer Challenge: World Cup and Kingdom Rush.
Learn more at http://www.ironhidegames.com/
Official Website | Facebook | @ironhidegames
Media Contact
Nate Adams, TriplePoint
(415) 955-8500


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This site focuses on Madame Blavatsky and her teaching - Theosophy. It features an introduction to Theosophy, study aids, research tools, original text, supporting evidence, membership, and visitor interaction.
There are three major problems with the fossil record.
1. The first is that the fossil record shows species originating abruptly. This contradicts the predictions of Darwin's hypothesis. His hypothesis calls for very many intermediate forms gradually grading from one species to another. But instead the record shows the opposite - species arise abruptly.
2. Secondly, the geologic record shows that species do not change significantly through time. For millions of years they remain constant - with only minor and random change. This also contradicts the predictions of the hypothesis of Darwin.
3. The "Cambrian explosion" represents a period in which most of the current phyla [broad groups of life forms] all appeared in a very short geological span of time. This also seriously contradicts the hypothesis of Darwin.
The problems with the fossil record are more extreme than it might seem. The evidence of the fossils is in stunning contradiction to Darwin's theory. Generally this contradiction is not well known and so I have attempted to bring out the details.
In pursuit of this subject, I acquired a copy of "The Structure of Evolutionary Theory" by Steven Jay Gould. It is a 1400 page tome that, while well written, would not appeal to the general reader. I wanted to reach a clearly knowledgeable source and Gould is a well known Darwinist who also admits to some of the problems in Darwin's view. Most of the quotes from Gould are from that book.
Gould has called "stasis" the "trade secret of paleontology." One section of the book attracted my interest. In chapter nine that section is headed "What every Paleontologist knows." I hoped that chapter would reveal and prove the "secret". And it did. Most of the quotes here from Gould are from that source. Now more people can learn the "trade secret of paleontology."
Some reasons according to Gould why there naturally occurs such a "secret."
The common knowledge of a profession often goes unrecorded in technical literature for two reasons: one need not preach commonplaces to the initiated; and one should not attempt to inform the uninitiated in publications they do not read. The long-term stasis, following a geologically abrupt origin, of most fossil morphospecies, has always been recognized by professional paleontologists ... p 749-750
But another reason, beyond tacitly shared knowledge, soon arose to drive stasis more actively into textual silence. Darwinian evolution became the great intellectual novelty of the later 19th century, and paleontology held the archives of life's history. Darwin proclaimed insensibly gradual transition as the canonical expectation for evolution's expression in the fossil record. He knew, of course, that the detailed histories of species rarely show such a pattern, so he explained the literal appearance of stasis and abrupt replacement as an artifact of a woefully imperfect fossil record. Thus, paleontologist could be good Darwinians and still acknowledge the primary fact of their profession - but only at the price of sheepishness or embarrassment. No one can take great comfort when the primary observation of their discipline becomes an artifact of limited evidence rather than an expression of nature's ways. Thus, once gradualism emerged as the expected pattern for documenting evolution - with an evident implication that the fossil record's dominant signal of stasis and abrupt replacement can only be a sign of evidentiary poverty - paleontologist became cowed or puzzled, and even less likely to showcase their primary datum. (p 750)
Gould gives a number of quotes to confirm the fact of stasis of species. He concludes with this:
In what I regard as the most fascinating and revealing comment of all, Gorge Gaylord Simpson, the greatest and most biologically astute paleontologist of the 20th century (and a strong opponent of punctuated equilibrium in his later years), [Gould's own theory] acknowledged the literal appearance of stasis and geologically abrupt origin as *the* outstanding general fact of the fossil record, and as a pattern that would "pose one of the most important theoretical problems in the whole history of life" if Darwin's argument for artifactual status failed. Simpson stated at the 1959 Chicago centennial celebration for the "Origin of Species" (in Tax, 1960, p149):
It is a feature of the known fossil record that most taxa appear abruptly. They are not, as a rule, led up to by a sequence of almost imperceptibly changing forerunners such as Darwin believed should be usual in evolution. A great many sequences of two or a few temporally intergrading species are known, but even at this level most species appear without known intermediate ancestors, and really, perfectly complete sequence of numerous species are exceedingly rare ... These peculiarities of the record pose one of the most important theoretical problems in the whole history of life; is the sudden appearance ... a phenomenon of evolution or of the record only, due to sampling bias and other inadequacies?
Such a discordance between theoretical expectation and actual observation surely falls within the category of troubling "anomalies" that, in Kuhn's celebrated view of scientific change (1962), often spur a major reformulation. p 755
Translation: The data so strongly disconfirm the hypothesis that it may induce a paradigm shift.
Darwin claimed the reason for the discrepancy was an "imperfect" record. Gould claims this reason "works". But while seeming to excuse Darwin he admits the contrariness is "stunning."
The "argument from imperfection" ( with its preposition purposefully chosen by analogy to the "argument from design") works adequately as a device to save gradualism in the face of an empirical signal of quite stunning contrariness when read at face value." (p 758)
But if an "imperfect" record can excuse the sudden appearance of species, how does one explain the unchanging nature of a species once it appears? This unchanging nature is called "stasis." After hearing so much "explaining away" Gould makes the point that stasis is data. Since those on the spiritual path will have heard of mantras I thought you might enjoy Gould's emphatic explanation.
But how can imperfection possibly explain away stasis (the equilibrium of punctuated equilibrium)? Abrupt appearance may record an absences of information, but *stasis is data*. Eldredge and I became so frustrated by the failure of many colleagues to grasp this evident point - though a quarter century of subsequent debate has finally propelled our claim to general acceptance (while much else about punctuated equilibrium remains controversial) - that we urged the incorporation of this little phrase as a mantra or motto. Say it ten times before breakfast every day for a week, and the argument will surely seep in by osmosis: "stasis is data:; stasis is data ..."
The fossil record may, after all, be 99 percent imperfect, but if you can, nonetheless, sample a species at a large number of horizons well spread over several million years, and if these samples record no net change, with beginning and end points substantially the same, and with only mild and errant fluctuation among the numerous collections in between, then a conclusion of stasis rests on the *presence* of data, not on absence!
Another admission from Gould (I respect his honesty):
So if stasis could not be explained away as missing information, how could gradualism face this most prominent signal from the fossil record? The most negative of all strategies - a quite unconscious conspiracy of silence - dictated the canonical response of paleontologists to their observations of stasis.
Paleontologists therefore came to view stasis as just another failure to document evolution. Stasis existed in overwhelming abundance, as every paleontologist always knew. But this primary signal of the fossil record, defined as an absence of data for evolution, only highlighted our frustration - and certainly did not represent anything worth publishing. Paleontology therefore fell into a literally absurd vicious circle. No one ventured to document or quantify - indeed, hardly anyone even bothered to mention or publish at all - the most common pattern in the fossil record: the stasis of most morphospecies throughout their geological duration.
The trade secret comes out:
All paleontologists recognized the phenomenon, but few scientists write papers about failure to document a desired result. As a consequence, most nonpaleontologists never learned about the predominance of stasis, and simply assumed that gradualism must prevail, as illustrated by the exceedingly few cases that became textbook "classics": the coiling of *Gryphae*, the increasing body size of horses, etc. (Interestingly, nearly all these "classics" have since been disproved, thus providing another testimony for the temporary triumph of hope and expectation over evidence - see Gould, 1972.) Thus, when punctuated equilibrium finally granted theoretical space and importance to stasis, and this fundamental phenomenon finally emerged from the closet, nonpaleontologists were often astounded and incredulous. (p 761)
Gould is probably not thinking exactly what I am thinking when he writes these words:
I find this situation particularly frustrating as paleontology's primary example of an insidious phenomenon in science that simply has not been recognized for the serious and distorting results perpetrated under its aegis.
(In his defense, actually Gould refers to problems that result for science in general when this kind of selection against publishing occurs in any field of study. But in this case, the results for humanity are very serious indeed.) In conclusion, we can infer that instead of a tree of evolution, the actual data reveals a field of poles whereby the phyla has very little relationship to each other, having sprung into existence all at the same time. Theosophy speaks of "Ideation", out of the plane of unmanifested reality, manifested reality emerges.
This article was written by Reed Carson - founder of BlavatskyNet and Theosophy Foundation of Georgia.


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10 Years of Leaky
Jul 04, 2010
It's not often we take this much of Leaky's space and time to celebrate a birthday, but this one is special. Today marks The Leaky Cauldron's 10th anniversary on the Internet.
We appeared online on July 4, 2000: just four days before the release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the book. Before the big bestseller split, before the first midnight party. Not many people remember Leaky in its infancy: it was a blue page with orange text, and was testing out a new Web software called Blogger.
Over the years, Leaky has morphed into an international, sprawling database of all things Harry Potter, a "wonderfully well designed mine of accurate information," as noted by J.K. Rowling in her Fan Site Award.
In that time – to name a few of the amazing things that have happened since – Leaky has given tens of thousands of dollars to charity; it has won a Webby; opened the door for Harry Potter fans to report on the films by becoming the first and at the time only site to visit the junket and sets; it has been reported on three book releases and eight film premieres; it has printed more than 10,000 news articles; it has performed live podcasts in front of tens of thousands of people; it has thrown an epic conference, and it has been given the honor of interviewing J.K. Rowling twice, the most recent being Ms. Rowling's only podcast interview to date. And so, so, much more.
All of that is great. We're immeasurably grateful and proud. But none of it would have been possible without the hundreds of people who have worked here over the years, and the millions who have used the site. It has truly been a joint adventure for us, and we hope for you, too. Nothing would be possible here were it not for the fantastic group of sharp, funny, intelligent staff and users on this site; it would have been nothing without your input and interaction.
And we are celebrating with that in mind.
Over the next week, Leaky will release three things that celebrate you, the user, and allow you to more fully experience and enjoy Harry Potter through our site. One of them has been coming for a long time: registration will open for LeakyCon, our second Conference of Awesome(), to take place in Orlando, Florida, next July, the weekend of the release of the last film in the Harry Potter series. (If you missed the first one, watch this video.)
The other two, we'll wait to show you when they are ready.
So¦ thank you. Thank you for a grand experience, and a grand adventure. Thank you for being here for a decade, or for getting here now. Thank you for all the memories; please use the thread below to relive them, or to just celebrate each other.
Thank you for ten years of Potter. Here's to the next chapter!


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NEW ALBANY, IN (Nov. 28, 2012) – Robin Farris, IU Southeast women's basketball head coach, is coaching his 700th game at IU Southeast on Saturday when the Grenadiers host Carlow University at 1 p.m.
Farris is in his 24th season at IU Southeast, and his 412 wins ranks ninth in the NAIA among active coaches. He has led the Grenadiers to 18 KIAC regular-season and tournament titles and seven NAIA tournament appearances.
A 1979 graduate of Tiffin University, Farris was the most valuable player (MVP), leading scorer, and captain of a team that captured the Mid-Ohio Conference basketball crown his senior season in college. He ranked eighth in scoring for the NAIA with an average of 26.8 points per game. After graduation he was named assistant basketball coach and head baseball coach at his alma mater.
In 1979, Farris embarked on a nine-year stint on the European basketball circuit; seven years as a player, and two as a coach. He played professionally for six years in England and one year in Scotland. Farris coached men's and women's Division I teams in Norway from 1986-88, and his 1988 women's team captured the national junior title. Farris was recognized for all of his great work in 1995 when he was inducted into the Tiffin University Hall of Fame.
Farris started his coaching career at IU Southeast in 1989. His 2001-02 squad advanced to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen. He has also been named KIAC Coach of the Year eight times.
Coach Farris also served 16 seasons as head coach of the IU Southeast volleyball program compiling a record of 328-193. IU Southeast volleyball took four trips to the NAIA National Tournament.
The Grenadiers host fellow KIAC newcomer Point Park University at 7 p.m. on Friday as part of a double header with the men's team. The No. 11-ranked Grenadier men tipoff at 5 p.m.
Check out a gallery of Coach Farris through the years here.


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WASHINGTON, April 18, 2011 — Operations on Fort Bragg, N.C., are "pretty fluid" today after severe weather damaged buildings and cut off power to the installation and surrounding communities over the weekend, Fort Bragg officials said.
A tornado touched down in Fayetteville, N.C., April 17, ripping through several neighborhoods and roads near Fort Bragg.
Benjamin Abel, a spokesman for Fort Bragg, said the storm had little impact on the post's residents and facilities. Base officials ordered a two-hour work call delay for civilian employees today, while troops are expected to report for duty at 1 p.m., he explained.
Abel said he expects normal operations to resume very soon.
"We had some damage to maintenance facilities and on our airfields," he said. "Nothing major, though; no housing areas have been affected, no barracks have been affected — child care centers [and] all the things that deal with the day-to-day health and safety of the post — have not been affected."
Fort Bragg had "lost power for about 24 hours, but we had no deaths or significant injuries to post residents," Abel added.
However, the damage in surrounding Cumberland and Hoke County communities was much worse. A Cumberland County news report stated that at least 167 homes were destroyed, while another 144 were damaged. As of 7 a.m. this morning 11,000 homes in Cumberland County, which includes the city of Fayetteville, were without power.
The tornado formed over the Wayside area of Hoke County and hit ground on North Reilly Road, destroying homes for more than a mile to Yadkin Road, according to reports. Both roads feed into Fort Bragg access control point gates. Portions of both roads are closed to vehicle traffic, including the Fort Bragg gates. The Butner Road and All American Express Way gates onto Fort Bragg remain open.
Fort Bragg officials do not know yet exactly how many Fort Bragg families who lived along the tornado's path lost their homes. Individual units are supporting displaced families, Abel said, which are estimated to be very few.
"There's no estimates on how many Fort Bragg families are displaced," Abel said. "It's something we're trying to figure out right now, but some areas had some pretty significant damage, so we have to assume there are some Fort Bragg families affected."
Fort Bragg officials' priority now is working to establish a one-stop shop for soldiers and their families to access legal services, insurance claims services, Army Community Services and Army Emergency Relief, Abel said.
"We want to make sure we get them all to one central location on post shortly to assist families in need," he added.
At the Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune, N.C., located about 90 miles east of Fort Bragg, Marine Corps Lt. Nicole Fiedler, a base spokesperson, said troops and civilians are reporting for duty as normal after a separate tornado touched down in the Tarawa Terrace housing community there April 17.
There are some displaced families, according to a Camp Lejeune press release, which reported that 40 to 60 homes sustained significant structural damage, while another 40 to 60 homes sustained minor damages, such as broken windows and torn siding.
Power has been fully restored on Camp Lejeune and services such as the post exchange and commissary are up and running, Fiedler said. All access control points are open, she added.
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)


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Occupied Palestine: Home Demolitions, Dispossessions and Residency Rights RevokedBy Stephen Lendman, submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 31/07/2010 - 18:55
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Occupied Palestine: Home Demolitions, Dispossessions and Residency Rights Revoked - by Stephen Lendman Daily, Israeli oppression continues - demolishing homes, dispossessing occupants, and revoking residency rights, three of its many crimes under international law, Israel spurning it with impunity. On July 22, the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) reported mass Jordan Valley Al Farisyie village demolitions, displacing 107 people, including 52 children. Targeted were 26 residential tents, 22 animal shelters, seven taboun clay ovens, eight kitchens, 10 bathrooms, four water tanks, and an agricultural equipment shed - in all, 74 structures illegally bulldozed, family homes and belongings destroyed along with large quantities of food and animal fodder. Many families weren't warned or present, so lost everything under rubble, Israel displacing Palestinians to make way for Judaization, area residents on their own, abandoned and unaided. In July, three other communities were affected: -- Fasayile al Fuga where a family home of nine, including seven children and a 10-month old infant, was destroyed; -- Bardala where evacuation and demolition orders were issued; and -- Ras Ar Ahmar where 13 homes and dozens of animal shelters were bulldozed after declaring the area a Closed Military Zone. The Jordan Valley comprises about 30% of the West Bank, Israel continuing demolitions, dispossessions, land theft, and appropriation of water resources, annexing areas for Jews, collectively punishing its residents by declaring large areas Closed Military Zones, ordering entire villages evacuated in defiance of international law, hundreds of residents affected, half of them children. On July 7, Haaretz writer Mijal Grinberg headlined "More than 800 protest Bedouin house demolitions in front of the Knesset," saying they erected a tent city after arriving in 17 buses to petition the government to "stop destroying homes." Arab MKs and Hadash Party member Dov Hanin joined them, demanding this stop and accommodation with Bedouins reached, Israeli citizens denied their rights. They rightfully claim ownership to 800,000 dunams of land, about 200,000 acres - around 6% of southern Israel's Negev desert. Israel, however, doesn't recognize them, saying about 75,000 Bedouins live in unrecognized villages, their public funding and services denied. More on that below. Still, in recent years, 11 unrecognized villages were legalized. But another 36 are in limbo, their homes subject to demolition and land confiscated. In 2007, the government destroyed 110 homes. A-Sira is slated for demolition, its residents petitioning Israel's High Court to prevent it. Some lost their homes earlier. Others hope to save theirs. All Palestinians fear they're next - dispossession for Judaization, ongoing throughout East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Bedouin areas. On July 27, Ma'an News reported that all Al-Araqib homes, fruit orchards and olive trees were destroyed, another unrecognized Bedouin village in southern Israel. At 4:30AM, 1,500 police arrived, including special riot forces, mounted officers, helicopters and bulldozers, awakening residents to evict them after an 11-year trial and court battle, residents winning to no avail. Israel dispossessed them anyway. About 300 people were affected, police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld saying all "were told ahead of time they had to leave," a planned forest to replace them, their homes from before Israel's creation lost, their rights denied, Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif Al-Qanoua saying: "The occupation has continued the destruction of Palestinian villages in the Negev for more than 40 years," a policy similar to East Jerusalem and the West Bank, "clear(ing) out Palestinian villages and towns" to Judaize them. Many Gazans have Negev and other area roots, lost when Israel was declared a state. Al-Araqib village peace activists called the demolitions an "act of war, such as is undertaken against an enemy," saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Bedouins a threat, "giv(ing) legitimacy to the(ir) expulsion....to Judaize it." "Unrecognized" Palestinians - Israeli Citizens Without Rights This writer's earlier article discussed them, accessed through the following link: http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2007/09/unrecognized-palestinians_12.html Around 150,000 are affected, living mainly in the Negev in the south and Galilee in the north, nonpersons, according to Israel. Considered internal refugees, they're unrecognized because they fled during Israel's "War of Independence," then couldn't return when it ended. Today, their villages are denied essential services, including clean drinking water, electricity, roads, transport, sanitation, education, healthcare, postal and telephone service, refuse removal and more because under Israel's Planning and Construction Law they're illegal. As a result: -- only residents with wells have clean drinking water; -- the few health services available are inadequate; -- many homes have no bathrooms, their residents prohibited from building them; -- only villages with generators have enough electricity for lighting, nothing else; -- villages aren't connected to the main road network; -- some are fenced in, denying residents access to their traditional lands; -- in the north, one school only accommodates children able to attend; and -- when demolitions are ordered, residents at times must do it or be fined and face a year in prison; some others must pay when Israeli bulldozers are used. With no constitution, Israel is governed by its Basic Laws, the Human Dignity and Freedom one authorizing the Knesset to overturn laws contrary to the right to dignity, life, freedom, privacy, property, and freedom to leave and enter the country. It states: "There shall be no violation of the life, body or dignity of any person. All persons are entitled to protection (of these rights, and) There shall be no deprivation or restriction of the liberty of a person by imprisonment, arrest, extradition or otherwise." Yet no Basic Law guarantees equality, afforded only Jews, not Arabs, including Israeli citizens. East Jerusalemites' Residency Status Revoked In late April, the Jerusalem Center for Social and Economic Rights (JCSER) reported that in 2008, Israel's Interior Ministry revoked the residency status of 4,672 Jerusalemites, another 229 losing theirs in 2009, and since the early 1990s, about 30,000 legal residents were affected, expelled from their homes, banished from their city. Further, another 165,000 Jerusalemites are at risk since they live east of the Separation Wall, separating them from the West Bank. JCSER also said municipality authorities "admitted for the first time that Israel got rid of 55,000 Jerusalemites in the last years due to the separation wall and that they lost their right to reside in the city." The statistics "only include those living in the East of Jerusalem's Sho'fat refugee camp, Ras Khmis, Ras Shihadeh and al-Salam neighborhoods." However, another 70,000 in al-Bareed, Kafr Aqab and Samiramees face the same threat, Israel ethnically cleansing the city to Judaize it, remove the Arab presence, destroy their historic landmarks, and claim the entire city as Israel's capital, denying Palestinians that right for a future state. In late July, JCSER reported that from January 2009 - June 6, 2010, Israel's Interior Ministry revoked the residency rights of 721 Palestinians, including 108 from January - June 6, 2010. It also said from June 1967 - mid-June 2010, 86,226 (14,371 families) were affected, many more expected under a ruthlessly oppressive policy. In addition, thousands of family reunification requests are rejected out of hand as well as thousands more applications to register newborns in the city, Israeli-provided numbers as follows: -- from January 2009 - July 6, 2010, reinstated residency rights of only 95 Palestinians were approved; and -- from January 2009 - July 15, 2010, only 280 family reunification requests were allowed, many others pending, few at most to be permitted. According to JCSER head, Ziad Al Hammoury, the reality on the ground is much worse than Israel reports - hundreds of East Jerusalemites losing their residency rights, hundreds more families prohibited from reunifying, their children not recognized as Jerusalemites, and hundreds of others studying or working abroad lost their ID cards at border crossings. Israel's policy especially escalated after Palestinian Jerusalem legislators lost their status, all others in the city now at risk, despite being designated "permanent residents" in 1967. However, in 1974, the law changed to let the Interior Minister strip residency rights from Palestinians with foreign citizenship or believed to be "a threat to national security," a provision potentially affecting anyone for any reason or none at all. Then in 1988, another amendment let the Interior Minister deny residency to Palestinians who lived in Gaza or the West Bank for seven years, and since 2003, the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law prohibits family unifications without Interior Ministry permission, very seldom granted. Combined, these policies ruthlessly deny Palestinians their legal rights in their own land, incrementally being stolen to Judaize it. A Final Comment On July 28, Haaretz writer Amira Hass headlined "The Palestinian Authority is imprisoning Gazans," saying: In the West Bank, the Mahmoud Abbas coup d'etat government that calls for an "end (to) the blockade on Gaza, in practice aids in imprisoning the Gazans by preventing them from holding valid Palestinian passports" - acting as Israel's enforcer. "Not only does (Fatah) refuse to (provide) passports, (but) its general intelligence service even intervenes" to veto applications. Abbas security forces also "continue to arrest (and imprison for extended periods with no charges or trial) people identified with Hamas," Palestine's legitimate government, one Israel doesn't recognize, Fatah endorsed to control the West Bank, with generous funding to do it. "These are the same security authorities that have won praise from the occupier for the quiet they've achieved," giving Israel more latitude to demolish homes, dispossess residents, expel them, arrest children, prevent free expression and movement, and kill anyone called a threat. Fatah's collaboration compounds their suffering for their corrupt self-interest, profiting handsomely as a result. A final note. On July 29, Countercurrents.org published Providence Knolls and Tania Kepler's article titled, "Villagers Rebuild Razed Bedouin Village," accessed through the following link: http://www.countercurrents.org/kepler290710.htm They reported villagers, Palestinians, Israeli and international volunteers rebuilt Al-Araqib one day after Israel bulldozed it, and residents plan to build "more than what was destroyed, in an attempt to prevent future demolitions." Asking international help to survive, village spokesperson, Dr. Awad Abu Freih, said "We want our voice to be heard around the world." Is Israel listening? Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at email@example.com. Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening. http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/. more evidence of Israeli lawlessness Comments |
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The RNA-induced silencing complex contains an Argonaute (AGO) protein, whose PAZ domain binds the 3' end of the miRNA. The PIWI domain of AGO is responsible for cleavage of target RNAs, that is, RNAs complementary to the miRNA. Only AGO2 (EIF2C2) is capable of cleavage, however. AGO1 (EIF2C1), AGO3 (EIF2C3), and AGO4 (EIF2C4) repress translation of target RNAs by binding without cleavage.
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text: In my family, May is birthday month. There are five birthdays, plus mother's day. So with all the gift wrapping I've been doing lately, I thought a diy gift wrap post would be very appropriate. I wrapped all these presents with items and supplies I already had on hand. Enjoy, and please share any ideas you've come up with. I always love seeing clever wrapping and packaging diys! Continue reading


text: PC-FX last edited by voicesinquartz on 07/19/20 12:17PM View full history OverviewThe PC-FX was an innovative Japanese console released by NEC in 1994. It is the successor to the NEC PC-Engine, and takes a new approach on the concept of the video game console. The PC-FX was designed to be expandable, and is even shaped like PC tower, modelled after NEC's PC-98 computer platform. The unit plays PC-FX games, audio CDs, CD Gs, and Kodak picture CDs. Due to the consoles failing sales, NEC allowed an abundance of adult games to be released on the console. An internal PC card was available for home PCs that let the PC play PC-FX games so the user did not need to purchase the console. The only other console in history with this feature was Panasonic's 3DO (with the 3DO Blaster ).HardwareThe case of the PC-FX is shaped like a computer and was designed to be an upgradeable console. The hardware, designed in 1992, was codenamed "Iron Man" and was supposed to be implemented in a new console to replace the PC-Engine after it was developed. PC-Engine developers were upset that NEC was releasing a new console when the market was still expanding so NEC held out another two years while continuing to support the PC-Engine. In 1994, NEC receieved pressure from 3DO, Sega, and Sony with new consoles on the horizon for that year. With few options, the severely outdated Iron Man hardware was used to make the PC-FX, with the intentions of releasing a 3D expansion to compensate for the unit's underpowered graphics. Develops failed to produce titles for the underpowered system, and as a result, the lackluster game library made it unattractive to consumers. A key feature of the PC-FX is its advanced JPEG decoding ability. It has the ability to decompress video at 30 frames per second with digital audio playing simultaneously. PC-FX games enjoyed the best FMVs in console history up until 1998 when the Playstation had better image quality, but still a poorer framerate. While the PC-FX could not handle 3D graphics some effects it could handle are rotation, magnification, reduction, cellophane, fade, and priority. The controller was a fairly standard 6-button controller; the console is also notable for being the first console compatible with a mouse.The three expansion slots on the console are severely underused for a console marketed as being upgradable similar to a PC. An expansion slot on the front console only had one peripheral released that used it, the FX-BMP memory expansion module. It was simply a memory card that allowed players to save their data onto a portable device rather than internal memory. Expansion ports on the bottom and back of the unit were used to connect to PC-9800 computers, and let the PC-FX be used as an SCSI CD-Rom drive. The 3D expansion module was never released, nor were any upgrades and as a result, the PC-FX remained one of the least powerful consoles on the market. A small panel on the back of the console contains AV jacks, an S-Video jack, and the power connection. The PC-FX doesn't have an opening CD-Rom drive, but rather the top of the unit flips up and a CD is placed in it much like a Sega CD.The PC-FX has no copy protection built into it because of the high price of CD burners and writable media at the time of release. This was fairly standard for CD-based consoles at the time.The PC-FX card for PCs was available for either DOS or PC-9800. It came with 2 CDs used for PC-FX development. Unfortunately, programmed games would not work in retail consoles due to compatibility issues.Technical SpecificationsCPU - 32-bit NEC V810 RISC processor running at 21.5MHzMemory - 2MBVRAM - 1.25MBBack-up RAM - 32KBROM - 1MBVideo Resolution - 640x480Sound - 16-bit stereo w/2 ADPCM channels and 6 sample channels at 44.1kHzODD - 2x CD-ROM drive supporting FX-CD, CD-DA, CD G, CD EG, and Photo CDIO - Composite, S-Video, 2 controller inputsExpansion - EXT1 (Back-up memory), EXT2 (Extra functions), EXT3 (Memory expansion)Size/Weight - 132 x 267 x 244 mm / 2.9kgPower Consumption - 16W / AC 100VSoftwareThe PC-FX has somewhat of a reputation for having a higher percentage of adult titles than any other console. Due to poor sales, NEC was rather lenient with what they let be developed for the console. It launched with Graduation 2: Neo Generation FX, Battle Heat and Team Innocent in 1994. Besides hentai games and dating sims, there were also action games, strategy games, and RPGs. Being a Japanese exclusive console with a library consisting of mostly text-heavy adult games and RPGs, most games are not playable by an English speaking player. Most games do have Japanese voiceovers, for nearly all spoken text in fact, so players who have phonetically learned Japanese may be able to understand dialouge. Only 62 games ever appeared on the PC-FX.Rumored/Unreleased Games FX FighterFX Fighter was a demonstration used to promote the PC-FX and its graphical capabilities. A demo was shown at the Tokyo Toy Show in 1994, and the game seemed playable although is unknown whether it was actually playable or an elaborate set of full motion videos. The game was a 1-on-1 3D fighter which used FMV to represent the characters movement. The game was cancelled halfway through development with only 3 or 4 characters done because the sheer size of the FMVs needed to complete the game exceeded the capacity of a single CD.Lords of Thunder FXThere is little info about Lords of Thunder FX other than the fact that a tech demo existed. Some Japanese gaming magazines were shown a polygonal rendering of a boss from the original Lords of Thunder released on TurboDuo. It is unknown if the released picture was a playable game, a simple rendering, or even planned for release at all.Super Star Soldier 3DAlong with Lords of Thunder FX, NEC released photos of an upgraded Super Star Soldier supposedly on the PC-FX. There is little information about it other than that it is a Star Soldier game with better graphics. In 1994, EDGE released a single screenshot of Super Star Soldier 3D which shows the back of a 3D modelled ship flying in a 3D environment. If the shot is real, it shows that the PC-FX was capable of rendering 3D polygons in real time, but no further info on the game or 3D rendering was ever available.Hi-Ten BombermanHi-Ten Bombeman was originally planned for the PC-FX, and is believed to be an early version of Saturn Bomberman. The game is a 10 player version of Bomberman, and is notable for being what would have been the first game formatted for wide screen HDTVs. The game was apparently near completion when NEC canceled the release due to publishing guidelines. Tengai Makyou III: NAMIDATengai Makyou III: NAMIDA (Far East of Eden) was a continuation of the popular Tengai Makyou RPG series. It was a highly anticipated game canceled due to the failure of the console. The game was announced in 1995 and development ceased at a very late stage. The project was not picked up again for years but Hudson eventually released a vastly upgraded version of the game on PS2 under the same name.Masters Tournament AugustaMasters Tournament was a planned PC-FX golf game. The developed held back to see if the PC-FX would fail, and when it did, canceled the game.Pebble Beach No HatouPebble Beach was the planned sequel to Masters Tournament. It was ported to Sega Saturn and Super Famicom when the developer, T&E Software, saw the PC-FX would fail.Street FightStreet Fight was an FMV fighter, similar to FX FIghter but with real people. Characters with digitized and the game was supposed to be as realistic as possible. It was never released despite being shown at the 1994 Tokyo Toy Show.Robot FighterRobot Fighter was another fighter like Street Fight and FX Fighter which used FMV video to display two 3D modeled robots fighting each other. Like the other titles, it was never released, presumably due to CD space restrictions.Sparkling Feather 2Sparkling Feather 2 was a planned sequel to Sparkling Feather, another PC-FX game. It was never released.Virtual InvadersVirtual Invaders was a Space Invaders style shooter that was scrapped early in development. Font-sizeParagraphHeader 4Header 3Header 2 Quote Link Img Table TweetClean sizeSMLpositionLCRUDchangeCreditDeletesizeSMpositionLRUDchangetitle 1title 2captiondelete×Edit Image TitleTitle: ×Embed ImageWhat size image should we insert? (This will not affect the original upload) Small Medium How do you want the image positioned around text? Float Left Float Right Go to LinkUnlinkChange× Link to Giant Bomb Content AllWiki Franchises Games Accessories Characters Companies Concepts Locations Objects People PlatformsEditorial Videos Podcasts Articles Reviews Features ShowsCommunity Users You can search for any Giant Bomb content. ×Link to a pageAllWiki Franchises Games Accessories Characters Companies Concepts Locations Objects People PlatformsEditorial Videos Podcasts Articles Reviews Features ShowsCommunity Users You can search for any Giant Bomb content. positionUDchangeDeletepositionUDchangeDeletepositionUDchangeDeleteInsert Row UpInsert Row DownInsert Column LeftInsert Column RightDelete RowDelete ColumnbordersonheaderonpositionUDtablemax-widthdelete×Insert TableRows: Columns: positionLCRUDchangeDelete×Embed tweetEnter the URL for the tweet you want to embed.


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It's time to bop to the beat of your own drum (or ukulele, or cowbell...it's all good). Experience the full-range audio spectrum with outside noise reduction on the Beebop Bluetooth headphones. They have a built-in microphone for integrated call handling and text notifications, essential for rocking out—but not missing out.
• Bluetooth Wireless
• Stereo Sound
• Built-in Mic For Calls
• 4+ Hours of Battery Life
• On-Ear Controls
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• Dimensions: 7.3" x 6.9" x 2.75"
Accept payment: BTC, BHC, ETH, LTC
This is a demo store presenting the available purchasing methods. Products may be added to cart, but are not available for purchase. Product photography sourced from .


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The fruit of his work was disclosed in his highly acclaimed book The Quest of the Historical Jesus, which was released in 1906–the same year the Azusa Street Revival lit the world on fire.
After exhaustive research, Schweitzer concluded that Jesus was a mysterious, power-hungry ruler who arrogantly considered Himself the Son of Man. Titles such as Messiah, Son of Man and Son of God, Schweitzer said, were merely "historical parables," and Jesus' claims of divinity were not based on reality. Schweitzer wrote, "We can find no designation that expresses what He is for us."
In Schweitzer's opinion, Jesus had nothing in common with contemporary society, but He could be known through individual experience. For Schweitzer that meant running a hospital in Africa. Although he helped a great deal of people and was truly sincere–Schweitzer was sincerely wrong.
He sought the Jesus of 2,000 years ago rather than the Jesus of today. The tools of his research were human intellect, the scientific method and subjective experience rather than Scripture, prayer and meditation.
YOU CAN KNOW JESUS THROUGH THE BIBLE How important is it to rediscover the Jesus of the Bible? I venture to say it means everything. However, revelation–which doesn't come from human intellect or scientific method–is at the core of who Jesus is. Revelation is the process God uses to show the beauty and power of Jesus in your life through the Word of God.
When you know the Jesus of the Bible, you daily fall more and more in love with Him. Jesus doesn't want you following Him out of cold, rigid, legalistic obedience as if He were an impersonal taskmaster or an exacting judge. He wants you to obey Him because you love Him and delight in pleasing Him!
Yes, He is a monarch and righteous ruler, but He is foremost a loving Lord who laid down His life for you and continues to pray for you every day before the Father (see Heb. 7:25). In fact, He desires to relate to you as a Bridegroom with His bride. Jesus wants you captivated, fascinated and exhilarated by a true revelation of Him, by truly "knowing" Him.
To know Jesus, you must begin with the Bible. The Bible was written to introduce you to a Person–Jesus. By wholeheartedly believing in Him, you can share eternity with Him. In the closing words of his Gospel, John wrote, "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:31, NIV).
For many Christians, believing in Jesus the Son of God is much easier than believing in Jesus the Son of Man–a real, live person. Without forfeiting any of His divinity, Jesus came to Earth and clothed Himself with human skin.
But after His resurrection, Jesus didn't stop being a man. Jesus did not temporarily become a man (the incarnation) for a season and then return to heaven, dissolve His humanity and "go back to being only God." The eternal, uncreated, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent second Person of the Trinity became a man and will remain a man forever!
Relating to a personal God who is a literal Person is so much easier than relating to some "beatific vision" or "ethereal presence." Unfortunately, a great deal of religious training not only distorts the personality of Jesus but also ignores His humanity in attempting to emphasize His divinity. We need both! By building a friendship with the man Christ Jesus, you build a relationship with Jesus, the Son of God.
AN INTERESTING ROMANCE During the 1870s two unbelievers sat on a railroad train discussing the life of Christ. Both were skeptical attorneys: one a writer, the other a famous agnostic. "I think an interesting romance could be written about Him," the writer commented. His friend replied, "And you are just the man to write it. Tear down the prevailing sentiment about His divinity and paint Him as a man."
The writer, former Civil War general Lewis Wallace, accepted his friend's challenge. Yet the challenge didn't come from an unknown agnostic attorney. It came from a noted opponent of Christianity, Robert Ingersoll, whose scurrilous attacks on biblical belief commanded up to $3,500 for one lecture–a hefty sum in those days.
In the process of constructing the history of Christ, Wallace found himself facing the greatest life ever lived on Earth. The more he studied the Bible, the more he was convinced. He fell in love with the compassionate Savior.
His heart was so captivated that one day he felt compelled to cry, "Truly this was the Son of God." He finished the book, and it eventually became the all-time classic Ben-Hur.
MEET THE REAL JESUS! God wants you to know the love of Christ. He wants you to drink deeply of His love and discover the beauty, the reality of His only begotten Son, who is "beautiful beyond description."
The Bible says that God loves you and delights in you so much that in spite of your shortcomings and sins He bursts forth in heartfelt song! If you are a Christian, the wrath of God is no longer upon you. He's not mad at you anymore–He's on your side!
In fact, Scripture says He not only saves you; He also sings over you! "On that day they will say to Jerusalem, 'Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing'" (Zeph. 3:16-17).
Believe it or not, God enjoys you. He not only loves you; He likes you too and wants to spend time with you. He wants you to follow Him out of sheer delight, captivated by the compelling personality and character of His one and only Son.


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I didn't want it to be too easy for Sweet P so I created 10 mustaches and made some that looked similar to make it challenging for her. I used a variety of colors (but you could just use black), including some that we don't talk about often so we could incorporate color recognition as well. I looked up a few of the styles (Charlie Chaplin, Fu Manchu, Handlebar, Lorax) so I could talk about the type of mustaches with her for fun. Sweet P loved this game and wanted to do it several times.
The Project: Mustache Match Game
What you need:
- 1 piece of construction paper
- pencil
- various colors of felt
- scissors
- black marker or Sharpie
- flat magnets
- hot glue gun/glue
Hot glue flat magnets to the back of each mustache. Place the puzzle mat on a baking sheet with your mustache magnets in a small bowl and you're ready to go!
Don't forget to try on a few! Baby Blue got in on the action, too!
Adrienne blogs at The Iowa Farmer's Wife. She is a mama to 2 munchkins: a toddler and a 5 mo old. She blogs about daily activities, crafts and the fun foods they grow and eat. You can find out more about her here.


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Success stories in high-reliability engineering don't get much better than NASA's Curiosity rover, which began exploring Mars in August. After a 10-month, 350-million mile journey, the rover landed on the Red Planet without a glitch.
Weighing in at just under a ton, Curiosity is 9.5 feet long, 8.9 feet wide and 7.2 feet tall. It's equipped with six 20-inch-diameter wheels in a rocker-bogie suspension. Each wheel is independently actuated and geared, and each front and rear wheel can be independently steered.
The rover also has a robotic arm with a cross-shaped turret holding five devices that can spin through a 350-degree turning range. Nearly 7 feet long, the arm has three joints so it can extend forward and retract again while driving.
All totaled, Curiosity is equipped with 47 rotary and linear actuators. Each actuator has a sensor, called a cold encoder, to provide performance feedback to the rover's control system. The sensor accurately measures the actuator's position, velocity and other variables despite extreme temperature changes, which on Mars range from -128 to +85 C.
The encoders were assembled in Valencia, CA, by the High Reliability Solutions Div. of Flextronics International. "Flextronics is extremely proud to have played a part in this historical exploratory mission to Mars," says Paul Humphries, president of the High Reliability Solutions Div. "We share NASA's excitement for the complex rover program and are thrilled to have contributed to this important scientific exploration."
Flextronics' Valencia facility specializes in highly reliable and durable microelectronics for aerospace, defense and medical applications. Another Flextronics subsidiary, Multek Flexible Circuits, provided the thermal control materials that enabled Curiosity to travel safely to Mars.
Why Contract Manufacturing?
Surviving an epic journey through space and a harrowing descent through the Martian atmosphere is no accident. It takes rigorous design, stringent quality control, and in some cases, the right manufacturing partner. For a growing number of OEMs in the automotive, medical, aerospace and defense industries, the right partner has been Flextronics.
The High Reliability Solutions Div. consists of three business groups: automotive, medical, and aerospace and defense.
The automotive group specializes in lighting, such as reading lights and luggage compartment lights; power electronics, such as DC/DC converters and fan controllers; connectivity products, such as interface devices for cell phones and iPods; and electronic assemblies, such as brake modules and keyless entry systems.
The latter is a "traditional electronics manufacturing services business...whereas the other groups offer more of their own design content," explains Humphries.
The medical group can produce a wide range of products, from small, plastic disposables, such as cardiac catheters, to complex electronic assemblies, such as insulin pumps and chromatographs.
The aerospace and defense group makes avionics, displays and flight management systems, in addition to more specialized assemblies, like the encoders for the Mars rover.
"Six years ago, our medical business was less than $200 million, and our automotive business was less than $100 million," says Humphries. "This year, the medical group will do around $1.3 billion, and automotive will be close to $900 million. The aerospace and defense group is just starting up, and it will generate about $100 million in sales this year.
"[These diverse groups] are similar in that they're all fairly regulated industries. ...They all have relatively long design cycles and product life cycles. ...And they all have stringent quality requirements."
That commonality has fueled synergies between the groups, says Humphries. For example, development work on LED-based interior lighting by the automotive group led to introduction of cabin lighting products by the aerospace and defense group. And, the experience that the medical group gained in getting Food and Drug Administration approval of its manufacturing processes was instrumental in helping the aerospace and defense group obtain certification in AS9100, a standardized quality management system for that industry.
"We make 50,000 different products every day," Humphries points out. "For us, the product itself is somewhat immaterial to the processes we have to control manufacturing, assembly and logistics. We've developed sophisticated processes, metrics and IT systems to manage any project, whether it's a mechanical product or an electronic product; a high-mix, low-volume product or a low-mix, high-volume product. It's really more about the system, and we can often manage that more effectively than an OEM."
OEMs can also take advantage of Flextronics' economies of scale. The company tallied more than $29 billion in gross revenue during its 2011-12 fiscal year, and it has manufacturing facilities in 30 countries and four continents. "Our SG&A ratio [sales, general and administration expenses as a percentage of gross revenue] for the year was 2.9 percent, which is unheard of in the automotive, medical or aerospace industries," adds Humphries.
Reliability Starts With Design
OEMs work with Flextronics in a variety of ways, from traditional build-to-print orders through to designing and manufacturing a product from a blank sheet. But Humphries says his group's "sweet spot" is design services—refining existing designs to satisfy specific customer goals.
"We work on design for assembly, design for cost, design for supply chain, and design for reliability," says Humphries. "We work hand-in-hand with our customers' design engineers to come up with the most robust, cost-effective design that can be made in high-volume production."
For example, a customer had designed a complex, high-frequency circuit board that was very costly—more than $600 per bare board. The board required five lamination steps. Since each lamination step has yield losses due to misalignment and other process variables, reducing the steps would save money and improve yield.
After evaluating the design, Flextronics engineers believed they could reduce the lamination steps by inserting another technology in the board fabrication process, and they redesigned the board to require fewer laminations.
To validate the performance of the new design, engineers conducted an extensive radio frequency analysis of the board both before and after the redesign. After Flextronics demonstrated that performance was the same or better after the redesign, the customer agreed to the change. This lowered the cost of the board by $200, producing a yearly savings of more than $2 million.
Before assembling a product, the company conducts failure modes and effects analyses on both the design and the assembly process. Once potential trouble spots are known, the company can implement process controls and poke-yoke mechanisms to prevent manufacturing defects.
"You can design quality into a product, but you can only manufacture quality out of it, because of the inherent variability of any process," Humphries points out.
For legal or security reasons, many of the division's customers require their products to be assembled in the United States. Others have no preference. In the latter instance, Flextronics will assess the customer's design, comparing it against the capabilities of its supply base. In some cases, Flextronics engineers will suggest changes to components or materials to leverage the company's supply chain advantages.
Flextronics has developed simulation software, known as SimFlex, that can analyze the entire supply chain, from raw material coming out of the ground, to the finished product, to aftermarket service. Based on multiple variables, such as product complexity, logistics costs and taxes, the software recommends the best location to manufacture a particular product.
All Systems Go: Assembling the Cygnus Delivery Spacecraft —Jim Camillo, senior editor |
For more information on assembling high-reliability products, visit www.assemblymag.com to read these articles:
- How Reliable Are BGA Connectors
- Quality in Assembly: Get the MOEST out of Reliability Testing


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Avalanche 3, Kings 1
The Colorado Avalanche started the night by handing out a letter of apology to their fans over the lockout-delayed season and trying to soothe any hard feelings through giveaways and promotions.
Then they really won them over with their play on the ice.
Gabriel Landeskog and David Jones scored 1:35 apart in the final period to help Colorado rally for a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night in the Avalanche's home opener.
After the final horn, Colorado players skated around the rink and waved their sticks to salute the revved-up capacity crowd.
''It was unbelievable,'' said Landeskog, the 20-year-old captain of Colorado. ''I think this was the best crowd I've played in front of at the Pepsi Center. It just feels great. To be away for so long and to come back and to see so many fans here and how loud they were and how into it, I think it felt like they missed us just as much as we missed them.''
The fans certainly appreciated the offensive skills of P.A. Parenteau, the newest member of the Avalanche. Parenteau scored an insurance goal in the third period to help the team bounce back from a season opening loss in Minnesota.
Known for his passing, Parenteau showed he can find the net, too, especially when he's left all alone.
''Anytime you can score your first goal in your first home game, that's a good feeling,'' said Parenteau, who had 18 goals and 49 assists with the New York Islanders last season. ''As the game went on, we played a much better game.''
Kyle Clifford's goal in the opening period gave the Kings their first lead of the season and, given the way Jonathan Quick was playing in net, looked like it just might hold up. Quick was turning back everything thrown at him.
That is, until Landeskog beat Quick with a shot off a rebound early in the third. That gave the Avalanche some much-needed momentum against one of the best goaltenders in the league.
Soon after, Jones followed by sending a wrist shot over Quick's outstretched glove on a power play.
''We knew that if we kept pushing we were going to get one,'' said Landeskog, who was presented the Calder Trophy at center ice before the game after being named the league's top rookie last season. ''And if we got one, we knew we could get more on Quick. He's a good goalie, but we were pushing him all night it felt like.''
Precisely what Quick expected out of the youthful Avalanche.
''They play with a lot of pace so you expect that every shift,'' Quick said.
Staked to a lead, Semyon Varlamov made it hold up as he finished with 28 saves.
The defending Stanley Cup champion Kings are winless two games into the season. They lost 5-2 to Chicago last weekend, dampening their banner-raising ceremony.
Any reason for concern, especially given the shortened season?
''I don't worry,'' Kings coach Darryl Sutter said. ''That doesn't really solve much, does it?''
Los Angeles even had Anze Kopitar back in the lineup after he missed the season opener with a knee injury. Kopitar injured his knee shortly before the lockout ended in a collision while playing in Sweden. He has led Los Angeles in scoring in each of the last five seasons.
But Kopitar's presence couldn't help get the Kings' offense on track. He didn't have a shot on net in nearly 20 minutes of play.
Clifford gave the Kings the early lead off a rebound late in the first period. He set up the play, too, by dishing an outlet pass to Jordan Nolan, who lined a shot off Varlamov's pads and straight to the stick of the hustling Clifford.
It could've been more, but the Avs killed off two penalties.
In an attempt to win back fans, the Avalanche released an apology letter before the game, saying the organization understands the frustration.
''We do not take lightly the responsibility of ensuring that your experience exceeds the level of passion and enthusiasm that you provide our sport, team and players on a daily basis,'' the letter read.
It was signed by team governor Josh Kroenke, general manager Greg Sherman, coach Joe Sacco and Landeskog.
The team also played a ''welcome back'' video for the fans and gave out gifts such as season tickets.
But a win, well, that was the best makeup present the Avs could've given.
''They were waiting for something good to happen,'' Sacco said. ''It took us a little over one period to do that. But once that happened you could feel the electricity in the building. It was fun for our guys again to play in front of their home fans.''
Notes: Los Angeles placed defenseman Matt Greene (back) on injured reserve Monday. ... Avs F Steve Downie left the game in the second period with a knee injury. ... Avs F Matt Duchene took a puck off the chin but still played after trainers stitched up the cut.


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- Home
- Government
- Boards & Commissions
- Accommodations Tax
- Accommodations Tax Reserve Committee
Accommodations Tax Reserve Committee
City Council established a citizens committee to identify options and make a recommendation to city council regarding use of Accommodation Tax Reserve funds. The committee was appointed in January, 2017. It is anticipated that the committee will meet twice a month for the first six months and check in with council formally in early summer 2017. The committee will end once a final recommendation is made to council.
Committee Members
- Larry Mashaw - Chairperson
- Frank Alfone
- Kady Watson
- Nancy Kramer
- Helen Beall
- Joella West
- Scott Marr
- City Council Representative - Kathi Meyer
- City Staff - Winnie DelliQuadri
Semi-Finalists: The Committee selected three semi-finalists from the applicants and requested follow up information. See below for Answers to follow up questions and final presentations given by the applicants.
See the VIDEO of the follow up presentations on September 5, 2017 and the VIDEO of the final meeting on September 7, 2017.
Arnold Barn Iconic Entry
Ice Arena Expansion
Old Town Hot Springs Expansion
2017 Proposals
The city issued a formal Request For Proposals for projects seeking to utilize Accommodations Tax Reserve Funds in May 2017 with applications due August 10, 2017. Proposals submitted for committee review are:
- Eagle Scout Park Restroom - City of Steamboat Springs
- Parks Restrooms - City of Steamboat Springs
- Steamboat Playground Project - City of Steamboat Springs
- Yampa River Flow Endowment - Friends of the Yampa
- Bear River Park Trailered River Access - Friends of the Yampa
- Arnold Barn Iconic Entry Feature - Historic Routt County
- Revolving Loan Fund / Alley - Mainstreet Alley Improvement
- OTHS Expansion/Renovation - Old Town Hot Springs
- Steamboat Art Museum Lighting - Steamboat Art Museum
- Multi Purpose Addition to Ice Arena - SS Youth Hockey Association
- Improve/Expand Off Leash Dog Areas - Steamboat Digs Dogs
- Bear River Skate Park Expansion - Steamboat Skatepark Alliance
- Community Sports Field - Steamboat Springs School District
- Steamboat Springs Indoor Pickleball - Tennis Center at Steamboat Springs
The 14 projects submitted were each excellent projects with significant benefits for the community and we thank each and every applicant for the time and energy that was spent on their application. The committee reviewed each of the 14 submitted applications and evaluated them against the 1986 ballot criteria and against the criteria described in the RFP. Based on the committee's review and evaluation process, the following projects have been selected as semi-finalists:
- Old Town Hot Springs Expansion and Renovation 2018
- Multi-Purpose Facility Addition to the Ice Arena
- Arnold Barn Iconic Entry Feature
The 2A Accommodations Tax ballot language restricts use of the first $660,000 in Accommodation Tax dollars between 2014 and 2023 with the direction that any tax revenues in excess of the $660,000 each year may be spent at the discretion of city council on projects authorized by the 1986 public accommodations tax ballot question. These "excess" dollars are a part of the "Accommodation Tax Reserve" which is anticipated to be $1,186,000 by the end of 2017.
With agreement by City Council, the Parks and Recreation Commission appointed a working group to look at options for utilization of the funds held in reserve. The working group formally recommended to both City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission that council appoint a formal committee under the direction of City Council and apart from the Parks and Recreation Commission, to formally evaluate the options regarding use of the accommodation tax reserve funds.
In discussion, the working group identified several strategic alternatives that would need to be reviewed by the committee with a strategic direction recommendation offered to city council. These alternatives include:
- Saving funds for a future big vision project, to be determined and funded later.
- Identifying a large project which would require reserve funds as well as going to voters to secure ongoing funding.
- Identifying one immediate project that would utilize all of the reserve funds.
- Identifying multiple smaller immediate projects that would utilize all of the reserve funds.
- Saving some of the funds for a future project or projects while utilizing some of the funds for one or more immediate projects.
- Utilizing the funds to enhance and improve current facilities.
Based on this recommendation, City Council appointed a committee to recommend and implement a process to council, and once that process was set, to solicit, review and recommend a specific project or projects to city council.


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Via Vincent Brown's always-relevant archaeological Twitter alerts I learned about what is being termed one of Britain's most exciting archaeological find in years: Two 6000 year-old tombs have been discovered not far from Stonehenge, near the village of Damerham.
So far, only the local media has the scoop. From the June 4 article in the Southern Daily Echo we learn that:
The tombs were discovered after staff from English Heritage studied aerial photographs of farmland in the Damerham area and saw signs of buried archaeological sites.
There's even more info in the June 5 article:
The tombs, thought to be among the oldest ever found in the UK, are already helping to reveal how we may have worked the land — more than a thousand years before even Stonehenge was heaved into place.
If aerial photos helped flag the plot for further research, what might Google Earth show? Is there enough information online to find the exact location of the tombs? It proved to be a challenge impossible to resist.
Googling "Damerham" led me to the village's wikipedia page (!), which in turn led me to the Damerham Archaeology Project website, which turns out to be the very same project being reported on in the Southern Daily Echo.
The project website seems to have been last updated during the 2008 summer season, before the import of the find became clear. But it does sport the aerial imagery that first alerted the archaeologists to the location, so it was just a matter of matching the view in the image with that in Google Earth.
It didn't take long. Damerham is a small village, and field shapes in the area are distinctive, so finding the exact location was easy. I've marked the spots in this KML file.
Aerial shot (from the Damerham Archaeology Project):
Google Earth view:
It is interesting to compare the aerial photos on the website to those in Google Earth. Clearly, the aerial photo was taken in a season when the fields show off the cropmarks at their fullest. The current Google Earth view shows off one circle pretty clearly, and hints at the oblong mound flanked by two ditches referred to on the website.
But turn on the historical timeline, and you get more imagery of the fields. Strangely, the current view in Google Earth of the fields is not the most recent — it's from 2002, or even 2000 (as those two years clearly use the same source imagery). But move to the imagery taken during 2005 and you'll find a much clearer view: The mound and ditches are clearly there, and there is another circular cropmark visible near the big one, as this false-color version makes clear (lower right):
The other features, however, are fully hidden by the crops. Clearly, there is an advantage to commissioning your own aerial imagery intead of relying on Google Earth:-)


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The 2014 edition of the British Grand Prix – the 50th to be held at Silverstone – did not disappoint.
The stage was set by a thrilling and unpredictable wet qualifying session, the result of which was a grid with several drivers out of their usual qualifying positions.
The race began with a delay of over an hour following a first-lap crash for Kimi Raikkonen which brought the red flag out for track repairs. Fortunately the Ferrari driver and those involved in the accident were unharmed.
Another intriguing contest between the two Mercedes was in the offing until technical problems forced Nico Rosberg out. But as that allowed Lewis Hamilton to claim his second home win, the crowd wasn't too disappointed. It also narrowed the gap between the championship leaders to just four points.
The British Grand Prix received an average rating of 7.8 out of ten – the third-highest of the year so far. Here's what F1 Fanatic readers thought of it:
Alonso versus Vettel
By far the best wheel-to-wheel action of the race was supplied by two drivers with six world championships between them: Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, who slugged it out for more than a dozen laps. However the persistent complaining from both drivers on the radio drew some criticism.
One of the best battles I've seen in a long time between Alonso and Vettel. Bottas put in a beautiful drive and there was plenty of action wherever you looked.
I thought it was a great race, there seemed to be plenty of action throughout. I loved the battle between Alonso and Vettel and I was laughing at the radio comments from them as it seemed every lap one one of them was complaining about the other one, hoping that a penalty would be handed out.
The fight between Vettel and Alonso, in my opinion, was highlight of the race. They fought for every millimetre of the track, the duel was just titanic.
It was a pity the drivers couldn't avoid whining, because they're such great drivers and should put their energy into racing.
Massa's heroics
Felipe Massa's lightning reactions potentially spared Raikkonen from suffering a much worse accident, as he pitched his Williams into a spin to avoid striking the damaged Ferrari head-on.
Impressed with Massa's skilful avoidance tactics after Raikkonen went off.
One (well known) person interviewed after the race said Massa "locked up". I beg to differ. It looked like he deliberately wrenched the car sideways to avoid T-boning Raikkonen's car; in my opinion it was skill and quick reactions, not an error.
Respect to Massa for fast reactions. The onboard shot shows just how close he was when the Ferrari appeared in his view. I doubt anyone other than an F1 driver could have reacted so quickly. A tenth of a delay and he would have T-boned Raikkonen, and I don't want to even consider what that may have caused.
What a quick and fully committed move by Massa. If the tyres were hotter he might have even avoided Raikkonen. I imagine that Massa doesn't have many Finnish fans, so I hope that they noticed!
The view from the spectators
I don't know how well the television coverage showed the race. But as a spectator, it was one of the best British grands prix I have been to. The support for not only Hamilton, but for Button and Chilton was fantastic.
The Raikkonen crash delay just heightened the expectation of the crowd. Bottas was brilliant. The battle between Vettel and Alonso was brilliant too. Involving Magnusson too for a number of laps.
There were battles all the way through the field. A cracking race.
I was there too, the atmosphere was truly incredible! Every time a British driver came past everyone cheered, whether it was Hamilton, Button or Chilton!
The noise is just not the same.
I was at the Austrian Grand Prix too, so have heard them for a total of five days now. The GP2 cars, and the GP3 cars are both louder than the F1 cars. The Porsche Supercup also!
Ear defenders are not essential any more. You can hear a lot of the race commentary over the speaker systems. Or with a radio and headphones you can hear all of the commentary. F1 has definitely lost something. It was well proven during the lunchtime display when Alain Prost drove last years Red Bull.
I certainly heard a lot of people around me complaining about the noise, however the quality if the racing was such that I didn't really find myself minding.
I liked being able to actually hear the commentary at the track, and so while the old noise was great, the new noise is good too, for me it didn't really affect the show.
No fight at the front
One unfortunate aspect of the race was that Rosberg's retirement spoiled a potential battle for victory. This mattered more to some than others.
There were some absolutely fantastic battles up and down the field, notably between two drivers that share six world championships between them, and there were some very good strategy calls made today.
However, we were denied any sort of battle for the race lead due to Mercedes' gearboxes, and we had a very long delay in which I did honestly get quite bored. It's a fantastic result from a British perspective, yes, but from a purist point of view it was a pretty mediocre race.
No battle for the lead; the race winner result obvious since one of the two possible competitors retired, useless red flag stoppage that set the race back one hour for a trivial reason, was half-asleep during most of it.
Sure we had some really good passing as well as really good defending. But the race was decided by a gearbox issue, apart from that the fights were for lower spots.
F1 is now officially as boring as NASCAR.
Praise for the 'show'
With all that was going on, does F1 really need standing restarts and other gimmicks?
That's all I really want from a race – great wheel-to-wheel action, several teams with similar pace, a couple of young chargers on the podium and some doughnuts.
They don't need to improve the show, because that was great!
One of the best British Grand Prix, and possibly better than Bahrain. Cars overtaking and team radio wars. Unfortunately Rosberg was out. But it still a stellar battle.
We are only halfway into the season and have already had three absolutely phenomenal grands prix. Got to love 2014.
2014 race results
British Grand Prix results
2008 British Grand Prix | 8.164 |
2011 British Grand Prix | 7.960 |
2014 British Grand Prix | 7.848 |
2013 British Grand Prix | 7.394 |
2010 British Grand Prix | 7.203 |
2012 British Grand Prix | 7.048 |
2009 British Grand Prix | 5.755 |
2014 British Grand Prix
- Bottas wins second Driver of the Weekend in a row
- Silverstone's 50th grand prix proves a fine vintage
- 2014 British Grand Prix team radio transcript
- 2014 British Grand Prix fans' video gallery
- 2014 British GP Predictions Championship results
Image © Allianz